Planning a Trip? You Might Not Need to Leave

6 months ago · < 1 minute read

What do you think of when you imagine an airport? Someplace boring, annoying, and uncomfortable, right? Long lines, hard chairs, and overpriced food. Something you have to deal with to start and end your trips. But what if it could be better?

Airports have been making a real effort since reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic to spruce things up. All travel services suffered during the lockdown, but airports were especially keen to entice people out and about. So, what was their big idea? Enhancing traveler experience.

Places like Orlando International Airport have started new Visitor Pass Programs. These passes give travelers access to areas (after going through security and checking in) where visitors can relax and have a good time before they board. These areas boast dining and shopping opportunities.

One of the best parts is that assuming everyone is approved, you can go hang out with someone who is on a later flight, even if you aren’t flying. Normally, you need to leave when they go through security, but with this pass, you can stay. This is a nice opportunity for parents who are sending their kids to fly or meet up with friends during a long layover. 

Orlando isn’t the only airport letting unticketed visitors come to hang out. The John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA, and ten other airports have similar programs. It’s not clear whether there’s enough to make people want to go there if they wouldn’t otherwise head to the airport, but only time will tell.